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HANSEATIC inspiration
FROM USHUAIA TO USHUAIA
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Expedition Antarctica: Antarctic Circle intensive
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13.02.27 to 05.03.27|20 days
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HANSEATIC inspiration
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INS2703
The highlights of this cruise
Harsher, icier, whiter: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers experiences exploring the Antarctic Circle with a special pioneering spirit. Thick ice fields, blue-and-white glaciers and icebergs – how far south will the ship advance?
- On a flexible course through the white wonderland
- Watch penguins, whales, seals and seabirds in their natural habitat
- Spectacular passages – along majestic glaciers and mighty icebergs
- Active experiences: numerous Zodiac rides, landings and hikes
- Captivating presentations, precaps and recaps by experts
At anchor
Further information
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The British overseas territory has more than just a turbulent history; discover its impressive birdlife. Experience this unique ecosystem, which is home to around 60 species, during Zodiac landings. Together with your experts, you can observe rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, who share their habitat with kelp geese, striated caracaras, king cormorants as well as black-browed and wandering albatrosses. Natural history walks take you past the island’s typical dwarf shrubs and tall tussock grass. The first human footprints on the Falkland Islands date back to 1690, and it wasn’t until 1764 that the first settlement was established.
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Days of adventure and great experiences lie ahead of you, when rugged peaks on the horizon signal your approach to this unique animal paradise. South Georgia is often referred to as the “cold Serengeti”. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins blanket the island’s coastlines and mountain slopes. On numerous trips and landings with the Zodiacs, you will experience the animal world from a respectful distance. With a little luck, you will see elephant seals fighting over a harem or gentoo and king penguins in their natural habitat. Your experts, who have extensive experience in the Antarctic, will familiarise you with the flora and fauna. The pioneering days of polar research will come to life for you in Grytviken: in the former whaling station, you will visit the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton and commemorate the heroic efforts with which he once saved his crew.
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The South Orkney Islands, a small group of islands with a surface area of around 620 km² (239 mi²), are located in the Scotia Sea. A lonely, glaciated world with ice deserts – and more animal species than on the Galapagos Islands, as scientists have discovered. Who would guess there are around 1,200 animal species here? The South Orkney Islands are home to numerous varieties of penguin, whale and seal, as well as leopard seals. With luck, you will also see icebergs drifting off the rugged coast. In contrast, the Argentinian Orcadas research station – which has been staffed since 1904 – houses just a few people. Depending on the conditions and approval from the station, you will land in the Zodiacs to gain an impression of the isolated life of the polar researchers in the area.
The South Shetland Islands form a long chain in the ocean. The island group opens up exciting chapters of Antarctic exploration and provides expert insights into geology. Here, your small manoeuvrable ship can again prove its expedition capability when it sails into the flooded caldera of the extinct volcano that forms Deception Island. Flanked by rock faces up to 50 m (164 ft) in height, the black sand in front of you gives off steam as a testament to a past eruption – and you in the heart of the scenery. Elephant Island, where history surrounds you, is legendary: polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew spent months here after abandoning their ship in the ice. You, too, will be enchanted by the scenery. Jagged crags loom fiercely on the horizon and the evening sun casts a delicate pink glow over the snowfields.
The Antarctic Peninsula, part of the coldest continent on Earth, may seem inhospitable at first glance, but it is actually a paradise for countless animal species that have adapted perfectly. Enjoy unforgettable moments when, for example, you set foot on the Antarctic mainland near to Paradise Bay. Snow-covered peaks, imposing icebergs and towering glaciers surround you. Unbelievable views also await you in the bay of Neko Harbor with its rocky massifs. The monumental dimensions are emphasised by Petermann Island: the rocky and partly glaciated land mass is located at the southern end of the narrow Lemaire Channel lined with high cliffs. Mountains up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) high line the strait of water, which is regarded as one of the most impressive shipping passages in the world. The Neumayer Channel provides panoramic views of glaciers that are no less breathtaking. This experience is accompanied by the cries of countless Dominican gulls, Cape petrels and snow petrels.
As the ship heads south, the endless white seems increasingly rough and icy. The excitement on board mounts as you approach the crossing of the Antarctic Circle – a unique feeling of pioneering adventure. How far can the ship advance? Thick ice fields and icebergs are a common sight here and the glaciers seem more dominant. In this challenging region, the experience and flexibility of the captain and crew are needed more than ever.
With the highest ice class for passenger ships, the ship can forge its way to the most beautiful and rarely visited regions such as Marguerite Bay. A steep mountain panorama, possibly covered in fresh snow, as well as vast snowfields and glaciers spread out before you. On Zodiac rides and hikes with your experts, you will gain insights into a world of ice that few have experienced. Simply magical.
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The described natural experiences and animal sightings are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
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Thu, 11.02.2027
Scheduled flight from Germany to Buenos Aires -
Fri, 12.02.2027
Buenos Aires/Argentina
City tour
Overnight stay with breakfast
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Fri, 05.03.2027
Buenos Aires/Argentina
Overnight stay with breakfast -
Sat, 06.03.2027
Scheduled flight from Buenos Aires to Germany -
Sun, 07.03.2027
Arrival in Germany
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Extend your trip
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Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
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Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
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Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise INS2704 and save € 1,500 per person (applies to the PLATINUM fare).
Special offer for solo travellers
There surcharge for solo travellers on this cruise (cruise only, Categories 1 – 8, applies to the PLATINUM fare) is only 25 %.
